work it wednesday (video edition) and a GIVEAWAY!

I am so excited about today's videos and giveaway! Turns out all forces of nature seem to be against me in the editing of the video and thus the delivery to you - so today's video will be in three separate segments.

It is going to be SO worth it today though! Today's videos feature the Boyfriend Tee from Degree Six Clothing and as far as t-shirts go, this one is pretty much to die for!



So get some great ideas on how to style this t-shirt and then stay tuned to the end to be eligible to WIN ONE OF THESE T-SHIRTS (valued at $92)!!!







Also, be sure to read up on D6's philosophies on sustainable fashion here... SUPER interesting stuff!

The people over at Degree Six are so amazing to be giving this t-shirt away to you readers!! To be eligible for the drawing of this t-shirt you must: (please follow the rules so as not to be disqualified)
1. Follow the blog! If you aren't a "follower" - please click the sidebar to become one!
2. Leave a comment on how YOU would style this t-shirt!
3. THIS IS IMPORTANT: leave an email address and by doing so agree to be on the email-ing list for Degree Six that will include fun company announcements, promotions and more details on the sustainable clothing that Degree Six offers!

***EDITED TO ADD: Comments will close Sunday night (around 8pm) and a winner will be announced MONDAY, October 5!!!
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Interested in having your products featured in one of my videos or on my blog? Contact me for details at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com !!!

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED! THANKS AND STAY TUNED FOR THE WINNER MONDAY MORNING!!!

good LOOK for less: Andrea, graduating from law school soon!

Today's good look for less consult is for Andrea... she'll be graduating from law school soon. And while she feels like she has her business wardrobe perfected... she needs some help on her after hours looks. The transition from college-wear to young professional-wear can be a tough one! But there is life after t-shirts and sweat shirts!

Here I compiled some outfits that will be great for hanging out with friends on the weekends and evenings, running errands or maybe even for a casual date!

Andrea had a budget of $250... for that I was able to compile 14 new wardrobe items and 5 new outfits full of great mix and match pieces!

Let's take a look at the shopping list, shall we?


Andrea wanted outfits that layered well and that were suited for fall and winter in Kansas. But most of all she wanted to get out of the jeans and hoodie trap that she was in from her college days. This outfit is comfortable but sophisticated. Denim in hues other than blue (think grey, black, white) are super popular these days and just as easy to wear as regular jeans. Here I paired it with simple layers and fun accessories for a very "young professional" look.

Sweaters and denim are a great combo for fall and winter. To keep this look from getting boring keep some fun accessories around to jazz things up. Lastly, a fun jacket that adds warmth and style is a great way to add flair to your fall and winter wardrobe and usually you can get multiple "wears" out of outerwear as opposed to tops.

This look would be great for a date or night out with the girls. A top that has a little shimmer and shine easily integrates into a layered outfit for some fun and sass!

Happy Shopping Andrea and congrats on your upcoming graduation from Law School!

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Are you interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? If so, click here or email me and I will personally answer your questions! (goodlifeforless @ gmail.com)

Fall must haves... TOP TEN! (part II)

Last week we went over the first five Fall must haves (Blazers, Layering Tees, Bold Pops of Color, Bold Neck-Wear, Slouchy Boots) and here are the much anticipated second five!

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6. Ruffles... we went over ruffles for all ages last week as well (here). It's not hard to see when you take a look at most clothing retailers that ruffles are key this fall. Stores are oozing with them. They are fun and flirty and feminine.

7. Tights... In every shape, color and style. Pair them with a skirts of any kind or if you are daring pair a deep opaque tight with a long sweater or shirt! Zowie!

8. Bold Cold-Wear... be cool, while "cool" this winter. It's easy to fall into the black and grey rut for outerwear. But this fall and winter... why not shake it up a bit of flair in your outerwear. Think of it as a preview to what's under that coat!

9. Headbands... they feel a bit 80's/90's to me. But it is true that the 80's are back, so it only makes sense, right? They are a fun and inexpensive way to add flair to an outfit.

10. Oversized Handbags... This is nothing new. We talked about them last spring. But it's true... the big bags are here to stay for sure. Plus, who can deny that it's great to have all of your "needs" right on your shoulder!

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So, what's your favorite? What will you be sporting this fall/winter?

Introducing: Fashion Formulas!

I'm excited about this new series I have been brainstorming on lately: Fashion Formulas.

It's based on my simple theory that our closets should be mix and match-able. I always aim to do this with my wardrobe consults and now I've found another fun way to deliver it to you.

Fashion Formulas will give you the basic outline for great outfits... you just fill in the blanks with similar items in your wardrobe!

Ready? Here we go...

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An up and coming look for this fall/winter is pleated bottoms... I know, I know... It's so 80's. Well. It just so happens it is also going to be SO "2010" - so get over it!

Today I showcase a really simple way to integrate pleats into your fall wardrobe!

Pleated Bottoms

(Left to Right: Linen Harem Pants, Pleated Linen Trousers, Pleated Cuff Shorts, Pleated Mini-Skirt)

White Tee Shirt

(preferably tucked in)

(Left to Right: V-Neck Tee, Layering Tee, Ruched V-Neck Tee)

Bib Necklace

(Left to Right: Flower Pearl Multi-Chain Necklace, Beaded Sequin Bib Necklace, Jingling Leaf Necklace, Rhinestone and Faceted Bead Bib Necklace)

Look those trends dead in the eyes ladies! You can do it!

(any trends or outfit ideas you would like to see featured on an upcoming "Fashion Formulas"? Email me!!! goodlifeforless @ gmail.com)

where you can find me...

I'm off for the rest of the morning... to take in as much ArtPrize with the family as is possible! And maybe a few hot dogs from The Dog Pit too. See you on the flip side...

one LAST before and after!

Whew... are you sick of glossy white makeovers yet? For the record, I am not! But here's a quick recap: glossy white floral wall hangings, glossy white table and now the makeover of the mirror frame that I recently found in the TRASH! And yes, it's glossy white...

Here was what the mirror likely looked like in it's previous life:



I found this at the antique store a couple weeks back marked $120. But mine (below) I found with the mirror cracked and in the trash down the road a bit... I took it apart and found a piece of wood hanging around the garage. My husband cut the wood to fit and drilled new holes to attach the frame to the wood. What a guy!




Next up... white spray paint for the frame and chalkboard paint for the wood background. Here's a close up:



I just love the detailing!

Now it hangs as an inspiration board/meal planning board near the eating area and my desk!



(sorry for the photo quality... no sunshine here in days! :( )

I call it a "free" project... my husband adds up little odds and ends we needed (paint, chalkboard paint, screws, and his time) and prices it out at about $30... either way - it was worth it! Now it houses my current favorite Bible verse, this fall it will likely be meal plans!

work it wednesday!

Last time I did a Work it Wednesday for "age groups" - I got a great response!

Here I am featuring RUFFLES... a MUST HAVE in your fall and winter wardrobe and so easy to wear!

ruffles three ways by Jill GG featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs

More great ruffle-ly looks:


Are you sporting ruffles these days?

MORE before and afters!

Woo hoo! Don't you just love before and afters.... I just do. I love them. The house has been a flurry of painting and miscellaneous projects. We have been without a dining table for like 5 days and the dishwasher is on the fritz so the kitchen has been full of everything that is usually on the dining table (including meals - standing up for my husband and I) and dishes and whew. It's a bit much. But today things are finally getting put back together and I think it's all worth it.

Want a looky-loo?

Let me start by saying we had a rectangle table in our very small eating area (can't really call it a 'dining room') and it just didn't work. My husband and I had bought the table before we were even married, but it held up well (thanks, IKEA!) and wasn't so bad. This is what it looked like (I don't know why the chairs aren't in the picure!):


Then I saw an ad on craigslist for this table... has potential, no? On the bottom of the listing it said they would take the table on trade for a square or rectangle table! Before I knew it, we had a deal! (here it is in process of being sanded for painting... classic "wait, I need a picture for the blog" moment!)


The table even has an extra leaf (you can see it hanging out in the background of the above picture). And was the perfect size for our family of four - or more with the leaf! Plus, it fit the scale of the dining area perfectly.

Now... ta-da! The after!



The table (or the paint job) is by no means perfect... but the table was practically free and the paint job was a tag-team effort by my husband and I. We couldn't be more thrilled after only investing about $20 in paint ("Frost" by Behr, if you are curious) and polyurethane.

I still need a rug solution... the original rug (see top picture) will work, it's just a cheap-y from IKEA though. I would love a round rug, but they seem hard to come by and expensive. Since my budget is pretty much ZERO dollars I think I am going to have to get creative with the existing. Think I could paint bold stripes on that fabric IKEA rug??? ...hmmmm.

Don't tell my husband, but I might have another project brewing! (also it's his birthday today! Happy Birthday Dear!)

Raising Foodies Cooking Group: Part I

(big sigh....)

I am participating in Raising Foodies' Cooking Group... the main "schtick" here is to get some great, healthy meals in heavy rotation for the kids that they will love and most of all EAT!

I'm not going to lie. Usually our kids eat bologna or pb&j for dinner. I never set out for this to happen, but after a while the kids whidle you down, they don't eat and don't eat and don't eat and then get really crabby and I just give them something else already! Keep in mind this is all whilst my husband and I eat primarily vegetarian (meat one maybe two times a week) and a lot of organic. Something just isn't matching up!

This week exhausted me trying to figure out something the kids and my husband and I would like WITH what we have on hand... which is a SLEW of veggies from the CSA. I tried to get creative, but not in a crazy way, just trying to think what the kids would think was cool or fun. I came up with a couple of options... this was the biggest highlight (or not) of the week.

Homemade Won Ton Raviolis:

Ingredients:
1 Cup of Cooked White Beans (Canellini)
1 Cup of Fresh Spinach
1 Clove of Garlic
1 Package of Won Ton Wrappers (found near soy products/tofu in the produce isle)
1 Cup Ricotta Cheese
Tomato Sauce

Here is the step by step...

I started out with white beans (about a cup, smashed - add a dash of milk to cream them up a bit).


Then saute spinach with a clove of garlic (chopped). Just wilt the spinach a bit... not too much.


Chop the spinach and add to the beans... this will be the filling for half of the raviolis.


Gather all the remaining ingredients (bean/spinach mix, ricotta, wrappers, a small bowl of water and a clean work surface).


Lay down several won ton wrappers and begin by putting one tablespoon of filling on each one, dampen the four sides of the wrapper, stick another wrapper on top and seal the damp edges.


Once you have them all made, drop them in a pot of boiling water until they become a little clear-ish looking and rise to the top.


Serve it up with tomato sauce (or pesto or alfredo, whatever you prefer).

This unfortunately is where the pictures end, I don't know why, but I didn't get a shot of them plated.

The other unfortunate part is that the verdict isn't great. I liked them, but didn't love them (I actually think Bertolli has a better refridgerated product - and I hardly NEVER like the store bought more than the homemade version!). My husband liked them. The kids wiped off the tomato sauce, ate a few bites and then were done. Even with the just cheese ones! I will say, they were SUPER easy to make - kind of fun actually - and not expensive at all. I had maybe $6 or $7 into the meal with everything and some homemade garlic bread as well.

So yes, big sigh. Didn't turn out so well! Hopefully others had better luck!

good LOOK for less: Jackie of SPPN!

Many of you know the fabulous Jackie of Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle. I consider her to be a close friend of mine, you know in that crazy blog/internet/i've never met her kind of way. She's one cool chic, she has a great eye for style and she also has a fun trip coming up! This California girl is heading North - to rainy Seattle!

Seattle is one of my favorite places to visit it has an outdoorsy yet sophisticated feel and tons of great sights and shopping!

Here I put together a shopping list and outfit ideas for Jackie for her upcoming trip!

Jackie filled me in on several wardrobe pieces that had "made the cut" for the trip, then I simply filled in the blanks and whipped up some outfits! The shopping list looks like this (keep in mind, many items are from Jackie's existing wardrobe):


Let's take a look at some outfits...

I like to take accessories like necklaces, earrings and bracelets with me when I travel. But let's face it... all of that can be hard to keep track of out of a suitcase. I included bold accessories like this necklace that will travel well and can be worn multiple times in one trip. A large handbag can accommodate kids "stuff", a camera and a map or two. Flats are great for walking!

Layering is key with the unpredictable Seattle weather! A gloomy morning could turn into a glorious afternoon! In this case just tie the sweater around your neck and you are set to go! I love packing dark bottoms like these skinny jeans... they resist stains and can be worn multiple times on a trip without laundering. Again a large handbag for the necessities and some bold jewelry pull the look together!

If layers is rule number one to comfortable and sophisticated travel wear, then "neutrals" is rule number two. Finding items that can mix and match on a whim is great for packing lite but still looking great!

Have a great trip Jackie, I can't wait to hear all about it!

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Are you interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? If so, click here or email me and I will personally answer your questions! (goodlifeforless @ gmail.com)

before and afters...

There are a lot of fun before and afters in progress here around the house! I'll just post them as they are done (and as daylight allows for decent photos!). So stay tuned... here is one we finished this weekend.

Here is the before of some floral wall hangings I picked up at the antique shop last weekend. The antique dealer told me they were popular in the 70s and were sold in a "home show" setting (similar to a Tupperware party). I snagged them for $4 each! So $8...


Add a couple of bucks of spray paint... and voila! Here they hang over my bed... I love the contrast of the dark chocolate brown with the bold and shiny white!



The rest of the room needs some help... it's a shame that the master bedroom always comes last, doesn't it seem that way? I'll hopefully adding new linens, new bedside tables and some lamps soon. I have some ideas brewing! But this is a start!

I'll be back with more before and afters soon!

Fall must haves... TOP TEN!

A lot of you loved the Top Ten Summer Essentials I posted last spring... (you can see those posts here and here). And a couple of you have asked for the fall version! So here we go...

Let me first say that there will definitely be some overlapping - but this can be the key to a successful (and affordable!!) wardrobe. Finding items that can move seamlessly through seasons... of course the items will likely be styled differently. But ultimately the goal is to build a classic wardrobe that can WORK FOR YOU all year long!

We'll start with the first five today and I'll bring the second five later this week...

1. Blazer... this was a staple through the spring/summer and now is a must have for fall. Instead of pairing it with cuffed jeans, sandals and tanks for the summer. The blazer can now be paired with warm boots, cozy scarfs and layered tees.

2. Layering Tees... layers are the key to warmth and style this year. Inexpensive tees paired with bold accessories and blazers or cardigans (a la JCrew) equals efforless style!

3. Bold "pops" of color... so yes the term "pops" of color is overused For this fall, keep this cliche in mind. Keep the colors deep and rich but still fun and interesting.

4. Bold neck-wear... these can almost hardly be described as necklaces... necklaces equate dainty and lady-like adornments of the neck. But these are show stoppers. They can be simply paired with a tee shirt and be an instant outfit.

5. Slouchy boots... I can not wait to get my hands on a pair of these. I already have a few that I have been eyeing to buy. They are best paired with skinny and straight leg jeans!

Stay tuned later this week for the second five!

What styles are you eager to get your hands for fall???